The North-Central All Progressives Congress Forum has called on President Bola Tinubu and the National Assembly to reject proposals for state police in Nigeria. This comes in response to Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang’s recent suggestion that the time has come for state police to address insecurity in the country.
Governor Mutfwang made the statement during a special court session in Jos, urging the President and lawmakers to support the creation of state police. However, the North-Central APC Forum has expressed opposition to the idea, warning that it could lead to anarchy and increased impunity.
In a statement, the Forum’s Chairman, Alhaji Saleh Zazzaga, noted that state police would serve the interests of those in power, potentially subjugating minority groups. The current use of federal police by governors to intimidate and oppress opponents is cited as a concern, with the Forum fearing that state police would give governors a license to do as they please.
The Forum also argued that state police would be counterproductive in secular societies like Plateau State, where minority groups and different religions coexist. There are concerns that governors might use state police to criminalize the activities of other religious groups, leading to a slippery slope towards “state religion.”
The North-Central APC Forum emphasized that some governors prioritize religious doctrines over the Nigerian constitution, which could lead to the suppression of minority rights. The group urged President Tinubu, the National Assembly, and civil society organizations to reject the proposal for state police, describing it as a “dangerous” idea that could undermine the democratic system and lead to the criminalization of opposition.
The debate over state police highlights the complexities of addressing insecurity in Nigeria, where governance and religious considerations often intersect. As the country navigates these challenges, the North-Central APC Forum’s stance reflects the need for careful consideration of the potential consequences of such a significant policy shift.
